Magnolia Bucket Hat

Joanna Grey

Aug 11, 2026

Keep cool and look effortlessly stylish all summer long with this gorgeous textured cotton bucket hat pattern, sized from baby to adult.

Summer is finally here, and my crochet hook is practically begging for lightweight projects.

Finding a summer hat that is both breathable and stylish can be a real challenge. Most store-bought options are either too hot or lose their shape after a single trip to the beach.

That is exactly why I designed this textured cotton beauty. It uses breathable, sturdy cotton yarn to keep you cool while maintaining its structure, even when stuffed into a beach bag.

You are going to love making it.

After seeing how much you all enjoyed my previous hat designs, I wanted to create something with a bit more modern texture. This project features a beautiful, rhythmic stitch pattern that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple to master.

Best of all, the pattern includes five sizes, so you can make matching sets for the entire family.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

Quick to Make: You only need one large skein of cotton yarn to whip up this beautiful accessory.
Stunning Texture: The unique combination of stitches creates a modern, raised look that stands out.
Perfect Fit: With sizes ranging from baby up to adult large, you can customize the fit for anyone.

Materials You'll Need

Yarn: Sable Sugar 'n Cream (Worsted weight, size 4, 100% cotton yarn). Pictured samples are in Soft Ecru and Rose.
Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook (or size needed to meet gauge).
Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in tails, locking stitch marker (or a paper clip/safety pin).
Yardage: 1 large skein of Sable Sugar 'n Cream.

Gauge & Sizing

Gauge: 5 stitch pattern repeats = 5 inches in length.
Sizes included: Baby (6-12 months), Toddler (12-24 months), Child (3-10 years), Adult Small, Adult Large.
Finished measurements:
- Baby (6-12 months): 17" circumference
- Toddler: 18" circumference
- Child (3-10 Years): 20" circumference
- Adult Small: 21" circumference
- Adult Large: 22" circumference

Crochet bucket hat crown and stitch detail

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

ch: Chain
sc: Single crochet
hdc: Half double crochet
dc: Double crochet
sl st: Slip stitch
sk: Skip
fpsc (front post single crochet): Insert your hook from the back to the front and back to the back again around the post of the specified half double crochet. Yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and draw through both loops on your hook.

Pattern Notes

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
This pattern is written in US crochet terms. If you are used to British terminology, check out my US to UK Crochet Chart.
The item is worked in the round.
Tension Tip: Keep your front post stitches relaxed so the hat doesn't pull in too tightly.
Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the height of the hat by adding or subtracting repeat rounds before starting the brim.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Baby and Toddler Sizes

Crown:

Round 1: Form a ring by chaining 5 and joining with a slip stitch to the first chain. Chain 2 (this does not count as a stitch here or throughout). Working over your starting yarn tail, make 12 double crochets into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close up the center hole. Slip stitch to the first double crochet to join. Do not turn. —–12 dc

Mentor Tip: Watch out for the tiny slip stitch at the end of the rounds. It can look like an extra stitch, but do not work into it or your stitch count will increase!

Round 2: Chain 2, work 2 double crochets in the same stitch as the chain 2, then work 2 double crochets in every stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first double crochet. Do not turn. —–24 dc

Round 3: Chain 2, work 2 double crochets in the same stitch as the chain 2, then work 2 double crochets in every stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first double crochet. Do not turn. —–48 dc

Round 4 (Baby only): Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 single crochet in the same stitch and place your marker here. Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 14 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat the sequence of (1 single crochet in the next 15 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch) to the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first marked single crochet. Do not turn. —- 51 sc

Round 4 (Toddler only): Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 single crochet in the same stitch and place your marker here. Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 6 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat the sequence of (1 single crochet in the next 7 stitches, 2 single crochets in the next stitch) to the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first marked single crochet. Do not turn. —- 54 sc

Body of the Hat (Both Sizes):

Round 5: Chain 1, work (1 single crochet, chain 2, 2 half double crochets) all into the very next stitch. *Skip the next 2 stitches, then work (1 single crochet, chain 2, 2 half double crochets) all into the next stitch. Repeat from * until you have 2 stitches remaining. Skip those last 2 stitches and join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. —–17 (18) repeats

Round 6: Do not make a starting chain. Remove your hook from the working loop, bring your yarn to the front of your project, and reinsert your hook into the loop. Skip the first half double crochet, then work a front post single crochet around the next half double crochet. Place your stitch marker in this stitch. Chain 2, then work 2 half double crochets in the adjacent chain-2 space. *Skip the next half double crochet, work a front post single crochet around the next half double crochet, chain 2, and work 2 half double crochets in the adjacent chain-2 space. Repeat from * around. After working into the final chain-2 space, join with a slip stitch to the marked stitch. —–17 (18) repeats

Round 7: Do not make a starting chain and keep your yarn at the back of your work this time. Skip the first half double crochet, then work a front post single crochet around the next half double crochet. Place your stitch marker in this stitch. Chain 2, then work 2 half double crochets in the adjacent chain-2 space. *Skip the next half double crochet, work a front post single crochet around the next half double crochet, chain 2, and work 2 half double crochets in the adjacent chain-2 space. Repeat from * around. After working into the final chain-2 space, join with a slip stitch to the marked stitch. —–17 (18) repeats

Rounds 8+: Keep repeating Rounds 6 and 7 alternately until your hat measures roughly 5 inches (or 5-1/2 inches for Toddler) tall, finishing on a Round 7 on the right side of your work.

Leveling Row:

Without turning, continue working on the same side. *Work 2 single crochets in the next chain-2 space, skip the next half double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next half double crochet, work 2 single crochets in the next chain-2 space, skip the next half double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next half double crochet, then work 1 single crochet in the next single crochet. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. ——-59 (63) sts

Brim:

Mentor Tip: We stagger the increases here so your brim stays perfectly round instead of turning into a hexagon! Move your marker up into the first stitch of every round.

Round 1: Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch (place your marker in the first of these two stitches), work 1 single crochet in the next stitch, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not join and do not turn. —–75 (80) sc

Round 2 (Even Round): Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, then work 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Do not join or turn. —–75 (80) sc

Round 3: Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, work 1 single crochet in the next stitch, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain, then work 1 single crochet in each of the last 2 stitches. Do not join or turn. —–90 (96) sc

Round 4: Repeat Round 2.

Round 5: Work 2 single crochets in the marked stitch, move your marker up to the first stitch, then work 1 single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches. *Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not join or turn. ——-105 (112) sc

Round 6: Repeat Round 2.

Round 7: Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, work 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 6 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain, then work 1 single crochet in each of the last 2 stitches. Do not join or turn. ——120 (128) sc

Round 8: Repeat Round 2.

Finishing Baby Size: Fasten off and use an invisible join to finish.

Optional Toddler Rounds (for a wider brim):

Round 9: Work 2 single crochets in the marked stitch, move your marker up to the first stitch, then work 1 single crochet in each of the next 7 stitches. *Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the next 7 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not join or turn. ——-144 sc

Round 10: Repeat Round 2. Fasten off and finish with an invisible join. Weave in all loose ends.

Child Size (3 to 10 Years)

Crown:

Round 1: Chain 5 and join with a slip stitch to the first chain to make a ring. Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), work 12 double crochets into the ring while crocheting over your yarn tail. Pull the tail to close the center hole. Slip stitch to the first double crochet to join. Do not turn. —–12 dc

Round 4: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 half double crochet in the same stitch, work 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 half double crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 half double crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first half double crochet. Do not turn. ———60 hdc

Body of the Hat:

Round 5: Chain 1, work (1 single crochet, chain 2, 2 half double crochets) all into the next stitch. *Skip the next 2 stitches, then work (1 single crochet, chain 2, 2 half double crochets) all into the next stitch. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Skip the last 2 stitches and join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. —–20 repeats

Round 6: Do not make a starting chain. Remove your hook from the loop, bring your yarn to the front of your work, and reinsert your hook into the loop. Skip the first half double crochet, then work a front post single crochet around the next half double crochet. Place your stitch marker in this stitch. Chain 2, then work 2 half double crochets in the adjacent chain-2 space. *Skip the next half double crochet, work a front post single crochet around the next half double crochet, chain 2, and work 2 half double crochets in the adjacent chain-2 space. Repeat from * around. After working into the final chain-2 space, join with a slip stitch to the marked stitch. —–20 repeats

Rounds 8+: Keep repeating Rounds 6 and 7 alternately until your hat measures roughly 6 inches tall, finishing on a Round 7 on the right side of your work.

Leveling Row:

Brim:

Round 1: Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch and place your marker here. Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 8 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 9 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not join or turn. ——77 sc

Round 2 (Even Round): Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, then work 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Do not join or turn. ——-77 sc

Round 3: Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, work 1 single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 6 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * until 3 stitches remain, then work 1 single crochet in each of the last 3 stitches. Do not join or turn. ——-88 sc

Round 4: Repeat Round 2.

Round 5: Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, work 1 single crochet in each of the next 6 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 7 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not join or turn. ——–99 sc

Round 6: Repeat Round 2.

Round 7: Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, work 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 8 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain, then work 1 single crochet in each of the last 4 stitches. Do not join or turn. ——-110 sc

Round 8: Repeat Round 2.

Round 9: Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, work 1 single crochet in each of the next 8 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 9 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not join or turn. ——–121 sc

Round 10: Repeat Round 2. Fasten off and finish with an invisible join. Weave in all loose ends.

Adult Small and Adult Large Sizes

Note: Stitch counts are listed as Adult Small (Adult Large). If only one number is shown, it applies to both sizes.

Crown:

Round 4 (Adult Small only): Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 half double crochet in the same stitch as the chain 1, work 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. *Work 2 half double crochets in the next stitch, then 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first half double crochet. Do not turn. ——-63 hdc

Round 4 (Adult Large only): Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 half double crochet in the same stitch as the chain 1, work 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. *Work 2 half double crochets in the next stitch, 1 half double crochet in the next stitch, 2 half double crochets in the next stitch, then 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first half double crochet. Do not turn. ——-66 hdc

Body of the Hat (Both Sizes):

Rounds 8+: Keep repeating Rounds 6 and 7 alternately until your hat measures roughly 6 inches (or 6-1/2 inches for Adult Large) tall, finishing on a Round 7 on the right side of your work.

Leveling Row (Adult Small):

Leveling Row (Adult Large):

Without turning, continue working on the same side. *(Work 2 single crochets in the next chain-2 space, skip the next half double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next half double crochet) twice, work 2 single crochets in the next chain-2 space, skip the next half double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next half double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next single crochet, (work 2 single crochets in the next chain-2 space, skip the next half double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next half double crochet) three times, work 2 single crochets in the next chain-2 space, skip the next half double crochet, work 1 single crochet in the next half double crochet, then work 1 single crochet in the next single crochet. Repeat from * two more times, then work 2 single crochets in the next chain-2 space, skip the next half double crochet, and work 1 single crochet in the next half double crochet. Do not slip stitch and do not turn. ——72 sts

Brim (Both Sizes):

Round 1 (Adult Small only): Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch and place your marker here. Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not join or turn. ——84 sc

Round 1 (Adult Large only): Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch and place your marker here. Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * to the end of the round. Do not join or turn. ——84 sc

Round 2 (Even Round - Both Sizes): Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, then work 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Do not join or turn. ——-84 sc

Round 4: Repeat Round 2.

Round 6: Repeat Round 2.

Round 7: Work 1 single crochet in the marked stitch, move your marker up, work 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each of the next 8 stitches, then work 2 single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat from * until 4 stitches remain, then work 1 single crochet in each of the last 4 stitches. Do not join or turn. ——-120 sc

Round 8: Repeat Round 2.

Finishing: You can stop here for a standard brim width, or repeat the increase sequence if you want a wider brim. If ending here, slip stitch to the first single crochet, fasten off, and weave in all loose ends.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

Striped Brim: Change colors for the last few rounds of the brim to create a sporty, nautical look.
Contrast Stitching: Use a contrasting color for the front post rounds to make the gorgeous texture pop even more.
Floppy Beach Hat Style: Add a few extra increase rounds to the brim to make it wider and sun-shielding, similar to my Sunsational Sun Hat.
Add a Ribbon: Weave a thin leather cord or a matching crochet chain through the leveling row to tie a cute bow.
Matching Accessories: Use your leftover cotton yarn to make some matching Floral Face Scrubbies for your summer travel bag.
Colour ideas: Try soft pastels like lavender or mint for spring, or bold mustard and terracotta for a retro 70s vibe.
Yarn substitutions: Any worsted weight (size 4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn will work beautifully. Bernat Handicrafter Cotton or Dishie Cotton are excellent alternatives.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

Problem: The crown is curling into a bowl shape too early.
Fix: Your tension might be too tight. Try switching to a hook one size larger for the crown rounds, or make sure you aren't pulling your double crochets too short.
Problem: The brim looks wavy or ruffly.
Fix: This happens if you accidentally add extra stitches. Double-check your stitch counts at the end of each brim round, and make sure you are using a stitch marker to track the exact start of your rounds.
Problem: The front post stitches are pulling the hat in too tight.
Fix: Keep your front post single crochets loose and relaxed. Pull the loop up to the height of your current row before completing the stitch.
Problem: The hat is too small for my head.
Fix: Cotton yarn has very little stretch. If you are between sizes, I highly recommend making the larger size or using a slightly larger hook to achieve a comfortable fit.

Care Instructions

Because this hat is made from 100% cotton, it is incredibly easy to care for. Machine wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle, then reshape it by hand and lay it flat to dry. Avoid hanging it while wet, as the weight of the water can stretch out the lovely textured stitches.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like wearing a handmade accessory that you whipped up with your own two hands. This Magnolia Bucket Hat is bound to become your go-to summer accessory, whether you are lounging by the pool or running errands on a sunny afternoon. Happy crocheting, my friends, and don't forget to share your finished hats with me!

The Author

I'm Joanna T. Grey. I've been designing crochet patterns for over a decade, and I focus on modern, wearable pieces with clear, tested instructions. Every pattern here is written so you actually understand the why behind each step—not just what to do. Even if you're new or experienced, you'll find practical guidance and designs that work.